The KidzMatter Podcast

Middle school is full of change, pressure, and unpleasant surprises. But what if we could help girls build a strong foundation in Christ before they ever get there?

In this episode, Hannah Augustine sits down with Janna Widdifield, founder of VESSELS, to talk about why third through sixth grade is such a formative window for girls, and why so many of them quietly disengage in kids' ministry during those years. Janna shares how Vessels uses a fun, club-style environment to help tween girls discover God's truth about their identity, value, and purpose, all while reading Scripture for themselves and building intergenerational relationships with women of all ages. 

Learn more about VESSELS at godsvessels.com. If you love your community and want to equip your leaders to reach more kids and families with the gospel of Jesus, go to baseministry.org to see how Base can help you do this through a gospel-centered sports camp.

🔌 Connect with all of the KidzMatter resources in our free KidzMatter Community.

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🎟️ JOIN US at the KidzMatter Conference 2026 — NEXT — October 6–8 in Evansville, IN.
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In this episode of the KidzMatter Podcast, Jess Wolstenholm and Hannah Augustine discuss how kids develop faith over time, why curiosity matters, and how parents and KidMin leaders can support spiritual growth without carrying the whole burden themselves. There can be a tension between educational best practices and trust in the Holy Spirit—child development and neuroscience matter, but they should be balanced with the reality that the Holy Spirit works in children’s lives too.

 Learn more about Minno and get your free trial today at gominno.com.

🔌 Connect with all of the KidzMatter resources in our free KidzMatter Community.

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🎟️ JOIN US at the KidzMatter Conference 2026 — NEXT — October 6–8 in Evansville, IN.
🌎 Discover more children's ministry tools, training, and curriculum: kidzmatter.com

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Safety isn't about living in fear—it's about stewardship. Jeff Dalrymple with the Evangelical Council of Abuse Prevention and Hannah Augustine discuss how to partner with parents, talk to kids about appropriate touch, and watch for warning signs both online and in person. Learn why a secure environment actually welcomes families more, not less, and hear real strategies from someone who's helped churches move from "we know everyone" to "we've done our due diligence."

Access free resources and join upcoming live events with the Evangelical Council of Abuse Prevention at ecap.net. Get your free month of lessons from The Park at parklearning.com!

🔌 Connect with all of the KidzMatter resources in our free KidzMatter Community.

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🎟️ JOIN US at the KidzMatter Conference 2026 — NEXT — October 6–8 in Evansville, IN.
🌎 Discover more children's ministry tools, training, and curriculum: kidzmatter.com

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If parent pressure, unreliable volunteers, or staff conflict is draining your energy in children’s ministry, this conversation gives you the clarity and boundaries you need. Kurt Goble, Creative Director for Lift Curriculum, shares hard-won wisdom from 25+ years in kids' ministry on how to handle difficult people with grace without losing your leadership.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re handling conflict the right way, this one will help you lead with more wisdom, more peace, and stronger boundaries.

Visit samaritanspurse.org to prepare for Operation Christmas Child's National Collection Week (November 16th-23rd, 2026)! Learn more and get a free trial of Lift Curriculum at liftcurriculum.com.

🔌 Connect with all of the KidzMatter resources in our free KidzMatter Community.

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🎟️ JOIN US at the KidzMatter Conference 2026 — NEXT — October 6–8 in Evansville, IN.
🌎 Discover more children's ministry tools, training, and curriculum: kidzmatter.com

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Get ready for The KidzMatter Conference! 🎉 In this episode, we share essential packing tips and must-haves for an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned attendee, our guests Kendon and Madi Hackworth reveal what to bring, how to dress for theme days, and why this conference is a game-changer for kids ministry leaders.

Don't have a ticket yet? Grab yours now at thekidzmatterconference.com! Get your free month of lessons from Brite at britecurriculum.com.

🔌 Connect with all of the KidzMatter resources in our free KidzMatter Community.

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🎟️ JOIN US at the KidzMatter Conference 2026 — NEXT — October 6–8 in Evansville, IN.
🌎 Discover more children's ministry tools, training, and curriculum: kidzmatter.com

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In this episode, we dive deep into the emotional journey of ministry transitions and loss. Join Hannah Augustine and April Raver as they discuss April's new book, "Still Loved, Still Called: Finding Healing and Hope When Ministry Changes." This heartfelt conversation explores how to navigate the grief of losing a ministry role and the importance of recognizing that your calling remains, even when your position changes.

Get your copy of Still Loved. Still Called. at https://www.kidzmatter.com/loved-called. Head to rnow.me/KidzMatter to learn more about their new God's Kids curriculum—start for free and explore their first two lessons!

🔌 Connect with all of the KidzMatter resources in our free KidzMatter Community.

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🎟️ JOIN US at the KidzMatter Conference 2026 — NEXT — October 6–8 in Evansville, IN.
🌎 Discover more children's ministry tools, training, and curriculum: kidzmatter.com

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Discover the power of multi-generational worship! In this episode, we chat with Tyler and his daughter Selah from Smith House Worship about breaking down barriers in worship experiences for kids, teens, and adults. Learn how to create an inclusive environment where all ages can encounter Jesus together through song.

Connect with Smith House Worship at https://www.smithhouseworship.com/, and get your tickets for the KidzMatter Conference at https://thekidzmatterconference.com/. Use promo code KIDZMATTER26 to get FREE shipping on orders of $25 or more, plus $10 off any $100 order, at OrientalTrading.com/faith.

🔌 Connect with all of the KidzMatter resources in our free KidzMatter Community.

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📫 Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know about all of our LIVE events.

🎟️ JOIN US at the KidzMatter Conference 2026 — NEXT — October 6–8 in Evansville, IN.
🌎 Discover more children's ministry tools, training, and curriculum: kidzmatter.com

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When youth and kids ministries work in isolation, you're missing a goldmine of discipleship. Teens don't just fill volunteer slots—they grow spiritually by serving. This episode with Cameron Cole and Danny Kwon from Rooted Ministry gives you the framework to partner with your youth pastor, identify service pathways, and turn teen volunteers into the backbone of your kids ministry. Plus: what both sides wish the other knew.

Listen to Youth Ministry Unscripted on your favorite podcast platform and learn more about Rooted at rootedministry.com. This year, the KidzMatter Conference is inviting youth leaders to the table! Use the code YOUTH2KM at thekidzmatterconference.com for FREE tickets to the conference this October.

🔌 Connect with all of the KidzMatter resources in our free KidzMatter Community.

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📫 Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know about all of our LIVE events.

🎟️ JOIN US at the KidzMatter Conference 2026 — NEXT — October 6–8 in Evansville, IN.
🌎 Discover more children's ministry tools, training, and curriculum: kidzmatter.com

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The kids in your children's ministry who are experiencing trauma need more than a lesson plan. They need safe adults and healing spaces. This conversation with Dr. Robert and Lori Crosby from Reach Hurting Kids Institute unpacks what trauma actually is, why two kids respond so differently to the same event, and the concrete strategies churches are using to reach kids from hard places.

Connect with the resources from the Reach Hurting Kids Institute at reachhurtingkids.com/. Visit https://rnow.me/KidzMatter to explore the God's Kids curriculum and learn more about how the RightNow Kids app can help you partner with parents for week-long discipleship. Click here to sign up for a free KidMin Academy class!

🔌 Connect with all of the KidzMatter resources in our free KidzMatter Community.

📌 SUBSCRIBE for weekly podcast episodes.

YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other platforms: kidzmatter.com/podcast

📫 Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know about all of our LIVE events.

🎟️ JOIN US at the KidzMatter Conference 2026 — NEXT — October 6–8 in Evansville, IN.
🌎 Discover more children's ministry tools, training, and curriculum: kidzmatter.com

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What if your kids' ministry environments told your theology before you ever opened your mouth?

Martha Harvey from WITH Families believes that first impressions aren't shallow—they're spiritual. When a family walks through your doors, they're experiencing your values in real time: Is my child safe? Am I welcome? Does this community care about excellence?

Get practical tips from Martha and start making great first impressions!

Go to store.kidcheck.com/ and check out the exciting new Check-In Station Pro. To learn more about WITH Families and WITH Kits, visit withfamilies.co/. Get your tickets for The KidzMatter Conference today at thekidzmatterconference.com/.

🔌 Connect with all of the KidzMatter resources in our free KidzMatter Community.

📌 SUBSCRIBE for weekly podcast episodes.

YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other platforms: kidzmatter.com/podcast

📫 Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know about all of our LIVE events.

🎟️ JOIN US at the KidzMatter Conference 2026 — NEXT — October 6–8 in Evansville, IN.
🌎 Discover more children's ministry tools, training, and curriculum: kidzmatter.com

📱Follow KidzMatter:
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